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ZipPicks Awards
Best Sushi Rolls in Pasadena
Best Sushi in Pasadena
Master Critic Review
Kaviar
8.7
Upscale Japanese kitchen perched above Raymond Avenue serves Executive Chef John Hans Yeo's fusion masterpieces in an intimate upstairs setting. Premium ingredients including A5 wagyu and uni elevate specialty rolls, while the cozy dark ambiance creates special occasion atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Toro with Uni, A5 Wagyu Roll, Uni Pasta
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Bird's-eye Raymond Avenue views paired with premium fish and creative fusion
Who should go: Celebrants wanting upscale intimate experience with top-tier ingredients
When to visit: Weeknight dinners for quieter atmosphere in intimate space
What to order: Toro with uni, shishito margarita, and chef's omakase selection
Insider tip: Upstairs location creates peaceful escape from Old Town bustle
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Paid garage parking in nearby Old Pasadena structures ($3-8), metered street parking very limited. Valet not offered but walkable from Paseo Colorado garage
Dress code: Upscale casual to business casual - avoid shorts and flip-flops, nice jeans acceptable with dress shirt or blouse
Noise level: Intimate and conversational - upstairs location shields from street noise, perfect for meaningful conversations
Weekend wait: Reservation strongly recommended - walk-ins rarely accommodated Friday-Saturday evenings due to limited seating
Weekday lunch: Not open for lunch - dinner service only Tuesday-Sunday starting 5:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetable rolls and creative non-fish options available, though menu heavily fish-focused
Vegan options: Very limited - one or two vegetable rolls possible, but this is a sushi-centric experience not optimized for vegan dining
Gluten-free options: Check website for updated information
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice if you want to impress - intimate upstairs setting, impressive food quality, and romantic ambiance create special occasion feel. Just know the $$$$ price point means $150-200+ per couple.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Very difficult, especially weekends. The intimate upstairs space has limited tables. Book 1-2 weeks ahead for Friday/Saturday, or try Tuesday-Thursday walk-ins around 5:30pm opening.
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended for young children - intimate upscale environment suits adults, limited space, and sophisticated menu. Better for teens 16+ who appreciate high-end sushi.
How long does dinner typically take? Plan for 90-120 minutes for full experience. Chef's omakase selections are paced courses. Not a quick-bite spot - this is destination dining.
Is the omakase worth it? Absolutely - Chef John Hans Yeo showcases premium ingredients like A5 wagyu and uni at their best. The omakase lets him demonstrate full range of fusion creativity.
Best For
Better for: Premium ingredients and fusion creativity in intimate setting - choose KAVIAR when you want high-end sushi experience without stuffy formality, and when upstairs seclusion from Old Town crowds matters more than street-level energy
Skip if: You want traditional omakase experience, need quick casual sushi, dining with kids under 16, or seeking value-oriented meal. Also skip if mobility issues make stairs difficult.
Hours
Monday6pm - 9:45pm
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday6pm - 9:45pm
Thursday6pm - 9:45pm
Friday5pm - 10:30pm
Saturday5pm - 10:30pm
Sunday5pm - 9pm